South Africans are learning to live and thrive in a financially uncertain world, according to the latest TransUnion Consumer Pulse Study, which shows that while 39% of households expect they may miss at least one bill or loan payment, many are actively reshaping their habits to build financial resilience.
Encouragingly, 31% of consumers are paying down debt faster; 24% are boosting emergency savings; and 37% plan to increase their retirement or investment contributions.
These trends suggest that South Africans are not only reacting to pressure, but they are also taking proactive steps to protect their financial futures.
Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa shares some tips and tricks to help manage debt and interest rates more effectively in 2025:
Pay off high-interest debt first
The study highlights that more consumers are accelerating debt repayment – and for good reason. Credit cards and personal loans often carry the highest interest rates when looking at consumers with multiple products in their wallet.
“In a high-interest environment, every rand you pay off today saves you from paying more interest tomorrow,” says Hatea.
Tip: List your debts and focus on paying off the ones with the highest rates first while keeping up with minimum payments on the rest.
Be strategic about borrowing
Access to credit remains crucial. Ninety two percent of South Africans believe it’s important for achieving their goals. Yet only 36% intend to apply for credit in the next year, reflecting caution amid high borrowing costs and income uncertainty.
If you do borrow, make it purposeful. The study found that demand is strongest for credit cards (30%), personal loans (28%), and Buy Now, Pay Later services (25%) but remember, these are all unsecured products that can quickly become costly if not managed well.
Tip: Compare interest rates, fees, and repayment terms before taking on new credit. Avoid unnecessary borrowing for short-term wants when rates are high or if you aren’t sure you’ll be able to make the necessary repayments.
Build a safety net, even small steps count
Nearly one in four consumers (24%) increased contributions to emergency savings or stokvels in Q2. In addition, 37% plan to grow their retirement or investment savings in the coming months.
Tip: Start with a modest, consistent contribution to an emergency fund – even R200 a month can create a buffer that reduces reliance on credit when life throws curveballs.
Strengthen your financial awareness
The study shows that 70% of South Africans check their credit reports at least quarterly, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the way. Those who actively monitor their credit tend to feel more confident and have a better understanding of their overall financial commitments.
Tip: Check your credit report regularly, track your score, and make sure all information is accurate. Awareness is power when it comes to negotiating better credit terms.
Protect yourself against digital fraud
Fraud remains a real risk with 58% of South Africans saying they were targeted by scams in Q2 – and 13% fell victim. Younger generations are more likely to adopt safeguards like multi-factor authentication, but 21% of consumers took no action at all.
Tip: Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. Protecting your identity is just as important as protecting your money.
The bottom line
The TransUnion Consumer Pulse Study shows that while many households remain under pressure, South Africans are becoming more selective in how they spend, strategic in how they borrow, and vigilant in how they protect themselves.
“Resilience comes from balance: focus on responsible spending and borrowing; reduce costly or unsustainable debt; and build savings to protect against future shocks,” Ayesha says.
By taking small, deliberate steps today households can better manage debt and interest rate uncertainty and build financial stability for tomorrow.